Factors Affecting Second Year Regular Biology Students’ Participation in Group Activities in Wollega University

Abstract

Background: Group work is a method of teaching in which students are put in small groups, two to six, and work in cooperation with each other. But there are different factors that affect students’ participation in group activities. This action research was intended to assess different factors affecting active participation of second year regular students in group activities. Methods: Institutional based cross sectional action research was conducted between April and May 2016. Study populations were all second year regular biology students (43 students) of Wollega University. Self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 24 software and percentages were calculated. Data was presented using tables. Results: Analyzed data showed that the most important student related factors that respondents agreed to affect their active group participation include; lack of English language proficiency (28%), reluctance in taking responsibilities (21%), large group size (46%), domination by active learners (56%) and influence of mother tongue (21%). Teacher related factors that affect students’ active participation are lack of encouraging students, lack of control and guidance, non-grading of group activities and lack of teaching materials. Conclusion: Different factors like large group size, Dominance of active learners, Lack of language proficiency, Lack of teaching materials, Non-grading of group activities and Lack of encouraging the students were found to affect students’ active participation. The intervention action plan developed in this action research project should be implemented in a course of study in which prevailing factors affecting students’ active participation are similar to those herein identified. Sufficient guidance and counseling should be given to students in every group activities and learning issues.